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Anxiety is a psychological and physical state characterized by somatic, emotional, cognitive and behavioral components. Anxiety is termed a "future oriented mood state" because it can occur without any triggering stimulus and it enables the individual suffering from anxiety to prepare to attempt to cope with upcoming negative events. This view of anxiety suggests that it is a distinction between future and present dangers whcih divides anxiety and fear. Fear is an emotional response to a perceived threat. It is termed an "alarm reaction to present danger" because it relates to specific behaviors and avoidance. When an individual knows that he/she is facing a dangerous situation he/she will react and then face that fear by the fight or flight response: He/she will either escape from the perceived threat or try to overcome it (fight it.)

Neural circuitry involving the amyglada and hippocampus is thought to underlie anxiety.When people are confronted with certain unpleasant and potentially harmful ...

Solution Summary

This solution explains why anxiety is termed a "future oriented mood state" and why fear is an "alarm reaction to present danger." The similarities and differences between these events is also discussed.